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| Internal Parasites: Keeping You, Your Pet, and Your Community Safe | | Did you know that roundworms are a leading cause of blindness
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in kids? Or, that
hookworms can cause uncomfortable skin lesions in humans? Did you know that both of these parasitic worms live naturally in the environment where they can infect both your pet and you? Both of these worms, along with a host of others, are known as zoonotic parasites meaning they are common to, shared by, or naturally transmitted between humans and other animals.
While not all internal parasites are contagious to humans, it is important to understand the risks that different parasites can cause your family, your community and your pets. With each newsletter in 2011, we will look at one or two different internal parasites, discuss the risks to you and your pet, signs of infection to look for, and how to prevent infection and re-contamination. Click here for information on this issue's featured parasite: Roundworms.
You do not have to give up your pet in order to keep your family safe. You do need, however, to take precautions. To learn what steps you can take to protect your family, your pet, and your community, click here .
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Don't Let Your Pet Fall Victim To Fraud | |  These days, everybody is trying to save a little money and many businesses are trying to take advantage of this by advertising jaw-dropping, eye-catching prices. This includes online pet pharmacies. But are you aware that many online pet pharmacies are illegal and breaking Federal, State, and sometimes, International laws? Now don't get us wrong, there are some online pet pharmacies that are properly licensed and reputable. But many more sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored. These medicines may be ineffective, or even worse, HARMFUL to your pet's health. It is unlikely that you will get your money back if you are dissatisfied with your product and many drug manufacturers will neither support or guarantee their product if bought through an internet pharmacy.
To be sure you are dealing with a reputable and legal internet pharmacy, look for the Vet-VIPPS symbol (above) on their website. Click here for more information on what other precautions you can take to keep your pet (and your money) safe. |
| How do you say "Woof!" in French? - Traveling Overseas with Fido or Garfield | | |
We all know what a hassle traveling by plane can be these days. Add in traveling with your pet(s), and it potentially can be a nightmare especially if you plan to travel out of the United States. Be aware that each country has its own set of regulations regarding importing a pet. These regulations are VERY strict - one small mistake could result in your pet being turned away at the border, quarantined, or stuck in limbo between two countries.
Sometimes preparation for international travel needs to begin up to 1 year in advance depending on the country you are traveling to. Rabies-free states, territories and countries all require rabies antibody titer tests 4 to 8 months prior to entrance. Foreign countries may require bi-lingual health certificates in addition to a USDA health certificate. We are happy to assist you; however, we cannot bend the rules nor can we ignore the strict time lines and written documentation that must be processed prior to travel.
Here are a few tips:
-Do plenty of research ahead of time - be aware that the internet can be a very helpful although often misleading tool. A good source of information is the USDA (US Department of Agriculture. ( http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/)
-Travel outside the continental USA or Canada often requires both a bilingual health certificate issued by the country of destination as well as a USDA international health certificate issued by a veterinarian certified by the USDA (all four of our vets are USDA-certified). Completed and signed international health certificates for the export of animals from the United States and the bilingual health certificates must be endorsed by a Veterinary Services area office (for Maryland the office is in Annapolis) in order to be valid.
-Advise us as soon as you have made the decision to take your pet overseas. This will allow us to research the country's entrance requirements and compare it with your pet's current status, download the necessary bilingual forms, and develop a time line for services to help prevent delays in your pet's travel.
-Make arrangements with the airline you will be using as soon as possible. Many airlines have their own requirements that must be met in order for your pet to fly. When at all possible, have your pet flying on the same flight as you and try to make it a direct flight. Avoid layovers and flight changes as this may require additional health certificates for each country your pet lands in.
And in case you were wondering: "Woof! Woof!" translates in French to "Ouah! Ouah!"
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Top 10 Pet Names of 2010
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It seems that even our pets cannot be spared from the popular vampire book/movie series, Twilight. VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) released a list of the top 10 pet names in 2010 and "Bella", the name of the vampire-loving teenager,has topped the charts for dogs two years in a row. Where do the other names rank?
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Dogs
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Cats
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Exotics
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1
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Bella
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Max
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Charlie
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2
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Bailey
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Bella
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Baby
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3
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Max
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Chloe
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Sunny
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4
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Lucy
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Oliver
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Jack
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5
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Molly
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Lucy
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Kiwi
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6
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Buddy
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Smokey
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Bandit
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7
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Maggie
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Shadow
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Bella
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8
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Daisy
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Tiger
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Max
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9
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Charlie
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Tigger
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Sammy
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10
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Sophie
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Charlie
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Gizmo
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We hope that you and your loved ones stay warm and dry during this dreary wet winter!
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